Olympic windsurfing has survived a near death experience and is charging ahead on the road to the 2016 Rio Games. While this 4 year journey takes place, we will once again benifit from the publicity of being on sailing's world stage. Have a look at some of the new faces competiting for the chance to be an Olympian.

Marion Lepert Interview ~ The Cast of Aspiring Olympians ~ A New Racing Format for RS:X ~ New Strategies for US Sailing

Why?
We are all entitled to our opinions.
I think it's a waste of time to ride a 40" wide board that weighs possibly as much as 34 lbs.
And racing is something that less than one in a thousand windsurfers do.
But, you are entitled to your opinions.

Given that the Olympics has become a commercial venture driven by the desire to make money, I would rather see Windsurfing not included. Furthermore, the fact that it's included, but the equipment used will be obsolete makes it rather ludicrous. However, that's in tune with the farce and somehow the sport has transcended crass commercialism.

Given that the Olympics has become a commercial venture driven by the desire to make money, I would rather see Windsurfing not included. Furthermore, the fact that it's included, but the equipment used will be obsolete makes it rather ludicrous. However, that's in tune with the farce and somehow the sport has transcended crass commercialism.

Oh, where to begin? Since the Olympics are a commercial venture for the host city, what sport or event doesn't trigger that reaction for you? Why is windsurfing any different than ice skating or skiing or the shot-put for that matter?

Your logic is backwards. You declare that because the equipment used will be obsolete means that windsurfing's inclusion is "rather ludicrous." Exactly what differs in the RS:X that makes it obsolete but is not shared with most other gear-intensive events? The RS:X can be used for windsurfing whether or not the class remains in the Olympics. What's ludicrous is your writing.

You further state that the impending obsolescence of the RS:X is "in tune with the farce" but that windsurfing has risen above commercialism. Really? What sort of website forum do you think this is? Look above, to the right and below. Commercialism. Oh, wait . . .it can't be. Windsurfing has risen above it._________________Support Your Sport. Join US Windsurfing!
www.USWindsurfing.org

And racing is something that less than one in a thousand windsurfers do

Are there still tens of thousands of active windsurfers in the US? At the East Coast Windsurfing Festival last year alone, there were about 40 windsurfers that joined the racing and had tons of fun.

Not-so-serious races like the ECWF are definitely great, I wish there were more of them. Even fun races give tons of motivation to improve your technique; having to jibe and tack in a crowd and at a pre-determined spot destroys any illusions you might develop freeriding. All the serious racers I know sure can kick my butt without even trying hard.

I would think about one in 10 windsurfers have actually entered a real race. Maybe a WHOLE LOT LESS in windy spots like Maui, ColumbiaRiver, SFBay, SPID/Corpus, and Hatteras.
You don't need to race to improve.
Lots of freesailiors who don't race can jibe, slash, jump, and speed like a racer, some better, most worse.

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